Episode Five: Always Be Disrupting the Deficit Narrative
Hey fabulous educators! It’s time to shake things up! In today’s episode, we're diving into a mantra you need to chant every morning: Always Be Disrupting the Deficit Narrative. That’s right, you're not just teachers; you're agents of change!
Challenging the Status Quo
We have often accepted the status quo without question, largely due to deeply entrenched traditions and legacy practices in our educational systems. These entrenched norms frequently confine our students to predetermined roles, stifling their potential and perpetuating a cycle of underachievement. It’s time to flip the script!
Here’s your action plan:
When you catch yourself or others in autopilot mode, hitting the same old defeatist buttons—pause, take a deep breath, and challenge those thoughts. Whether it’s the classic "keep those kids under control" or the dreaded "what’s the point in lesson planning," call it out! These narratives might whisper that pushing harder is pointless because "they already have it hard enough in life." But guess what? That’s exactly why we need to push!
Let's bust some myths:
Black students, Hispanic students, Multilingual Learners, students in special education, or those living at or below the poverty line — aren't just capable of success; they're primed for it. They CAN think, they CAN excel, and they most certainly CAN meet high expectations.
So, the next time you hear someone say a student "can't," I want you to add a "yet" and start working on how they CAN. It’s about empowerment, not limitations. It’s about strengths, not deficits.
The Impact of Teaching
Your mission, should you KEEP choosing to accept it, is to be a disruptor of deficits. Challenge those old narratives, elevate your students, and watch as they rise to the occasion.
And remember, you’re not just teaching content; you’re shaping the future. Let's ensure the lessons we deliver in our classrooms cultivate profound journeys of success and empowerment.
Ready to KEEP being the change? Apply this mindset to your instructional practices, making teaching and learning a transformative experience for every student who walks through your door. Keep challenging those narratives of deficit, and Always Be Disrupting!
Loved this episode? Hungry for more ways to transform your teaching and truly engage all your learners?
Reach out to the Academy at https://www.apa-education.org/contact.
Just a few more episodes to go. Tune in next time, and don't forget to like, repost and comment!
Comments